The Virtual Self: A Contemporary Sociology

The Virtual Self is an engaging and exciting text that
addresses issues relating to our rapidly changing society, social
structure, and communication needs. In doing so, it addresses major
issues in sociology that inform virtually all of a student’s
course work.

Introduces students to concepts of the self and society in an
age of rapid technology and high speed communication

Examines the relationship between everyday life and social
structure in key domains of communication, personality,
work/family, leisure and entertainment, and economics

Written in a lively, engaging style for readers without a
sociological background

Ben Agger is Professor of Sociology and Humanities at the University of Texas at Arlington, where he also directs the Center for Theory. He publishes in critical theory and cultural studies. His most recent books include Public Sociology: From Social Facts to Literary Acts (2000) and Postponing the Postmodern: Sociological Practices, Selves and Theories (2002).

"Those interested in knowing more about occupations at an
individual or societal level will learn much from this book, which
offers a wide and forward-looking sociological perspective."
Journal of Occupational Science

"This is a bold, innovative work; a powerful study that attests
to the cultural construction of the virtual and ‘real’
self in an often terrifying post-industrial world. Ben Agger is
America’s leading sociological theorist in the critical
school tradition. Classical and contemporary sociological theory
ignored the issues he addresses in this book: namely how the self
is embedded in technology. Agger corrects this oversight, and in
the process has written a book that belongs on the shelf of all
serious students of self, the media, culture, and the organization
of everyday life." – Norman K. Denzin, University of
Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

"The Virtual Self explores the many challenges posed by
‘virtuality’ for ethical, political, and social
analysis. Agger mobilizes a wide-ranging style of intertextual
criticism that engagingly illustrates why virtual selves and
network societies must become a new focus for contemporary social
research. His accessible approach and conversational style make
this an ideal book for courses in several different disciplines."
– Timothy W. Luke, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and
State University

Digital version available through Wiley Online Library

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